Dash




BIBLIOGRAPHY

Larson, Kirby.  2014.  Dash.  New York, NY.  Scholastic Books. ISBN: 978-0545416368



PLOT SUMMARY

Dash is the story of Eleven-year-old Mitsi and her family that have their lives turned upside down because of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. They are forces to relocate to a war internment camp. Mitsi and her family must leave everything behind including their dog, Dash. Her neighbor Mrs. Bowker agrees to take Dash in while the family is at the camp. While at the internment camp, Mitsi begins receiving letters from Dash. The letters help Mitsi gain hope that one day they would be reunited with Dash.



CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Kirby Larson creates a story based on the real-life events of a Japanese American woman. As readers, we are able to imagine what life was like during the bombing of Pearl Harbor and life in an internment camp. Larson provides readers with how anti-Japanese feelings were heightened during this time and how friends turned on their friends to turn them in. Not only does Larson provide readers with the feelings of Mitsi, she also gives a good depiction of the internment camps. Life was dirty, unpleasant and unfit for people. Larson conveys the sense of betrayal, loneliness and the fear the family had during this time. What great about his book for young readers is the way Larson shows the reader that even in times of great sorrow and hardship, good things can happen in the end. The reader learns about the strength of family, the value of true friendship and gratitude for what is important. This book is appropriate for young readers.

Dash will a great book for anyone who is a dog lover, or has an interest in WWII history.



 REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

  • Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award
  • Capitol Choices Nomination
  • NAPPA Gold Award
  • CBC Hot off the Press Featured Book
  • BEA Galleys to Grab

 “Larson makes this terrible event in American history personal with the story of one girl and her beloved pet. Spot-on dialogue, careful cultural details and the inclusion of specific historical characters such as artist Eddie Sato make this an educational read as well as a heartwarming one. An author’s note adds further authenticity.” KIRKUS REVIEWS


CONNECTIONS

Larson, Kirby.  Two Bobbies: A True Story of Hurricane Katrina, Friendship and Survival. (9780802797544)

Larson, Kirby.  Duke: Dogs of WWII. (9780545416382)



·         Students can read both Dash and Duke: Dogs of WII. They can compare and contrast the events, characters, setting and plot.

·         Students can visit densho.org to learn more about Camp Harmony.

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